Dual-Locking Prosthetic Coupling for Tool-Free Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing prosthetic coupling mechanisms for amputees are not durable, self-aligning, or tool-free, leading to instability and incorrect fitting when switching between different prosthetic devices, and they do not preserve user-specific adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A prosthetic coupling device with two manually operable locking arrangements that can be independently locked and released, ensuring a secure connection and disconnection without tools, using adapter elements like male and female pyramids or tube clamps, and mating guide members for proper alignment, allowing the same adapter to be used across different prosthetic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-release mechanism is used to enable rapid prosthetic component changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking elements (first locking element and second locking element) that must both be engaged to secure the prosthetic component. This segmentation ensures that a single element failure or accidental actuation does not result in disconnection, while still allowing quick release when both elements are deliberately actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a self-aligning feature that guides the locking elements into proper engagement position automatically during attachment. This beforehand alignment ensures reliable locking without requiring precise manual positioning by the user, preventing failed engagement attempts that could lead to accidental disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If a tool-free quick-release mechanism is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking components
Solution Approach 1:
The two locking elements are integrated into a single coupling interface where both locking actions occur simultaneously during one attachment motion. The release mechanism combines both unlocking actions into a single deliberate user action, effectively merging multiple locking functions into a unified system that appears simple to operate despite having dual locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, automatically positioning and securing the prosthetic component without requiring user positioning or external tools. The system serves itself by using the natural insertion motion to engage both locking elements, reducing the operational complexity for the user despite the increased internal mechanism complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional tube clamps are used for quick release, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface uses asymmetric guide surfaces and shaped locking elements that have only one correct orientation for engagement. This asymmetric design provides mechanical guidance that forces proper alignment during attachment, eliminating the need for high-precision manual positioning and ensuring consistent, reliable engagement regardless of manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-aligning feature performs the alignment action automatically as the first step of the attachment process. The guide surfaces and geometric constraints pre-position the locking elements correctly before the final locking engagement occurs, eliminating alignment issues that would otherwise require high manufacturing precision or user skill.
Data Source
AI summary
A prosthetic coupling device including a first coupling part and a second coupling part is provided. The first coupling part has a first end and a second end and the second coupling part has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first coupling part is connectable to the first end of the second coupling part, and the second end of the first coupling part is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element of a first prosthetic member. The second end of the second coupling part is connectable to a prosthetic adapter element a second prosthetic member. The prosthetic coupling device further includes first and second manually operable locking arrangements, which are separately operable and each locking arrangement has a locked configuration and a release configuration. Furthermore, the prosthetic coupling device is transferable from a connected state to a disconnected state only when both of the locking arrangements are in the release configuration. A use of a prosthetic coupling device is also provided. Further, a prosthetic assembly is also provided. A coupling part for use in the coupling device is also provided. method for connecting and disconnecting a first prosthetic member to a second prosthetic member is also provided.